Teresa's Recipes
Vanilla Slice
Indulge in the rich layers of this classic Vanilla Slice, a beloved dessert that features golden, flaky puff pastry enveloping a luscious, creamy custard infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla bean. Topped with a smooth, glossy icing, this treat is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. Originating from Australia, this dessert has a storied history, often enjoyed at bakeries and cafes, making it a nostalgic favorite for many. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful end to a meal, this Vanilla Slice is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff pastry sheets
- 2 cups Milk
- 1, split and seeded Vanilla bean
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornflour (cornstarch)
- 4 Egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons (for icing) Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including cooling time)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the puff pastry sheets on it. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk and the vanilla bean along with the seeds. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and well combined. Allow the custard to cool slightly.
- Pour the custard over one sheet of the cooled puff pastry, smoothing it out evenly. Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing down gently to adhere.
- In a bowl, combine the icing sugar with enough water to make a smooth, pourable icing. Spread the icing evenly over the top layer of puff pastry.
- Refrigerate the Vanilla Slice for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Once set, slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Tips
- For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the custard mixture.
- You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, or make your own if you're feeling adventurous!
- For a more colorful presentation, sprinkle some edible flowers on top of the icing before serving.